Cold could slow spread of hemlock tree pest

Thursday

WAYNE TWP. — Winter’s bitter cold and frequent snow can certainly be blamed for a lot of headaches and problems throughout the region, but all this cold could actually be doing some good.

The invasive insect known as the woolly adelgid continues to threaten the hemlocks of McConnells Mill and Moraine state parks, but the bitter cold has greatly lessened the threat, at least for now.

According to Natalie Simon, environmental education specialist, the possible threat of a regional spread to the Pennsylvania state tree has been delayed, thanks to the subzero temperatures and snow.

“What we’re hearing from foresters is that the cold has knocked back the timing of the species somewhat,” Simon said. “This cold has certainly helped us a bit.”

Woolly adelgids have yet to be confirmed in either park, but park officials and visitors have remained vigilant in their search for the insect.

Spread by birds, the insect caused damage to 80 percent to 100 percent of hemlocks in the South before traveling to eastern Pennsylvania and additional northern states.

Damage in parks including Cook Forest and Ricketts Glen State Park have been attributed to the insect.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says it’s possible that current confirmed populations of the insect are facing a reduction in number with cold snaps and generally low winter temperatures.

Even though many bugs have died, woolly masses that have attached to trees can still have adults living inside, feeding on needles of the hemlock trees.

Simon encourages visitors looking to aid in identifying the insect to carefully examine the needles connected to the boughs of the tree branches. Flipping over these sections will reveal any woolly egg masses.

If a mass is seen, visitors should take down full information, including a picture and GPS location, before contacting the park office.

Despite the lessened threat, upcoming warmer weather will bring in additional park visitors and new opportunities to continue the search.

“If any woolly masses are there, they can definitely still be seen,” Simon said. “(Woolly adelgid) is definitely still a possibility.”

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